12 hidden spots just a short trek from Wollongong

12 hidden spots just a short trek from Wollongong

The view peering into the depths of the Big Hole. Photo: Tim the Yowie Man

BIG HOLE WALKING TRACK, Deua National Park: Thought to be around 400 million years in the making, this is an extraordinary limestone marvel; a roofless cave which is over 100m deep and 50m wide. It’s an adventurous walk from Berlang campground to the viewing platform at The Big Hole as long as you don’t mind getting your feet wet crossing Shoalhaven River along the way. Click the photo for more.

CAVE CREEK WALKING TRACK, Mittagong: This leisurely 2.6km walk descends through various natural settings to Cave Creek, which as the name suggests passes through a small cave. Click the photo for more.

DRAWING ROOM ROCKS, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve: Nature's drawing room, with tables and chairs made of rock. While not long a long walk at 4.5km, it is dangerous, with a steep incline, featuring unfenced open cliff faces, and is not maintained or recommended by National Parks or Shoalhaven City Council. Click the photo for more.

BOMADERRY CREEK WALKING TRACK, Nowra: The track follows Bomaderry Creek which has carved a course through sandstone forming impressive cliffs, rock walls, overhangs and caves. The walk also includes patches of remnant rainforest, spotted gum forest, dry woodland and small hanging swamps. The small gorge is rich in Aboriginal heritage and sheer sandstone faces. Click the photo for more.

TIANJARA FALLS, Nowra: Although your eyes are first drawn to the majestic Tianjara Creek as it plunges vertically 60 metres into a rainforest–festooned gorge below, the view west over the Ettrema wilderness is just as captivating. Off Braidwood Road. Click the photo for more details. Photo: Kim Pullen

FALLS CREEK, Nowra: This stunning yet neglected Nowra site is off Vidler Road about 200 metres from the intersection with Parma Road. Click the photo for more. Photo: Micheal Irving, shoalhaveneco.net

POINT PERPENDICULAR LIGHTHOUSE, Currarong: Drive through natural scrub and beautiful spring wildflowers to Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, and the spectacular escarpment at Jervis Bay. There is no access to the inside of the lighthouse, but the view from the grounds of the lighthouse alone, makes this drive worthwhile. Click the photo for more.

BOX VALE MINE WALKING TRACK, Mittagong: The track follows the formation of a historic railway line and passes through cuttings, along embankments and through a tunnel 84m in length. There is also a spur track to 40-foot falls and a very steep track leads to vantage point below the falls. Click the photo for more.

HOLE IN THE WALL BAEACH, Booderee National Park: This beach gets its name from the sandstone rock wall with a hole in it at the eastern end of the beach. The hole has now collapsed and formed a U shape and is a popular photography spot especially in the early morning. Click the photo for more. Photo: Andy Hutchison

GOSANG'S TUNNEL, Currarong: Hidden among the shrubbery of Point Perpendicular you will find a small hole in the rocks just big enough for an adult to crawl through and about 20 metre long. If you crawl through the cave you will pop out on to breathtakingly beautiful sea cliffs on the other side. Click the photo for more.

SINGING STONES BEACH, Murramarang National Park: This one's a bit further away but is worth a visit next time you head down the coast. Shaped like a wine glass and surrounded by a naturally-occurring amphitheatre of rock, it's a charming cove on the Pebbly Beach–Pretty Beach walking track. On the right day, the pebbles really do make a singing sound. Click the photo for more details. Photo: Andy Hutchison

GROTTO WALK, Nowra: A large overhanging rock called the Grotto has given its name to this walk. This is a beautiful walk with steep entrances that zigzag down 45 metres from the cliff-tops to the banks of the Shoalhaven River. The walk is a two kilometre loop track taking between one to two hours depending on whether you visit all of the four lookouts at the top of the cliffs. Click the photo for more.

The list also includes two man-made gems – an historic railway line bushtrack and a lighthouse with a view that will take your breath away.

Just a day trip from the Gong, it’s time to explore our neighbours’ stunning beaches and bushland.

A word of caution: Old versions of Google Maps show the wrong location for the Drawing Room Rocks walk - if you are using Google Maps update your app for up to date information, also car parking is very limited.

This is a dangerous walk with a steep incline, featuring unfenced open cliff faces, and is not maintained or recommended by National Parks or Shoalhaven City Council.